software

hey. I really want to put new pickups in my Gibson Les Paul Goldtop 57' Reissue. But the thing is, is that i want to retain the great tone that my burstbucker 1 and 2s have, but have easier and better harmonics. Cause i do a lot of pinch harmonics and they don't sound as loud as i want them to. Here are some of my fav guitarists: Paul Gilbert, Slash, Steve Vai, Yngwie, and Zakk Wylde. I wanted to get a JB and a Alnico 2 Pro, but i don't know how well the sustain and harmonics are. Can anyone help me out?! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I've had quite good experiences with harmonics with a JB in the bridge. I've never really done them with the neck pup.

I don't think that sustain is so much a factor between different passive pups compared to actives.

Welcome to the forum!

If you want to retain the same tone you have with the Burstbuckers but want louder pinch harmonics, I'm afraid all that you can do is to practice. I know itls not the answer you were looking for, but it's going to be best in the long run.

BB's are Alnico 5, and the Duncans that fit your description would be a Custom 5/59.
The difference is that the Duncans will sound a bit clearer and sweeter, but still give up the goods, especially for pinch harmonics and less noise at high gain/volume.

The Burstbucker ! and 2s are Alnico 2 magnets. The Burstbucker Pros are Alnico 5. The !amp;2s have their own thing going on, and they are unlike most (if not all) Duncan pickups. They have an uneven wind, which makes them a little brighter and raw sounding than even wound pickups, which are smooth sounding. IMO, they do harmonics as well as any pickup out there.

In my experience, the amount of gain and type of amp you are using will lend itself to better, at least louder, harmonics.